Did you know that tomorrow is Handel’s Day? Nope, me neither. So it’s a nice surprise to hear that there are some free events taking place to mark the anniversary of the day Handel’s Messiah was premiered in the Musick Hall in Fishamble Street in Dublin in 1742.
Temple Bar Cultural Trust have put on a day of events to give you the opportunity to find out about Mr George Frideric Handel and his associations with Temple Bar and Dublin.
Here’s the blurb:
Families and groups in particular can enjoy an insightful historic Walking Tour that will meander through the life and times of 18th Century Dublin and explain the fascinating history of George Frideric Handel’s excursions in Dublin. The tour, which has been organised by our partners at Dublin City Council, winds around the streets of Dublin that still echo the visit of the composer in 1742 and passes by some of the locations that boast a Handel connection.
The much-loved performance of Messiah on the Street takes placein the Old City area of Temple Bar at the original performance site of the old Musick Hall on Fishamble Street, where Messiah premiered. The popularity of this outdoor event is illustrated by the number of families, people young and old and passers-by that gather, sing-along and raise their arms in celebration to the popular Hallelujah Chorus. Conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn, this unique choral performance by Our Lady’s Choral Society with guest soloist Ross Scanlon and the National Sinfonia is an unforgettable and joyous experience.
Handel’s Day is about bringing culture closer to people and programming a day of celebration that appeals to people of all ages with an element of fun, interaction and education. Did you know…? Marsh’s Library, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s first public library founded in 1701 contains a manuscript score of Handel’s Messiah, dated 1761 and St Michan’s Church, near to Christ Church on Church Street, houses an organ dated 1724 on which Handel is said to have played his Messiah.
Illustrating the family friendly theme of the Handel’s Day programme, Handel for Children will be performed in the Old City of Temple Bar by the Tullamore Classical String School. Featuring children’s vocals, instrumental music and percussion this performance will delight passers-by with a modern musical take on some of Handel’s most loved works.
All of the events are free, which is always good but may require booking. Check out www.templebar.ie